Flatter Your Face: Style Q&A

How A Shirt Can Improve Your Face

In order to take your looks to the next level, you, our AskMen readers, deserve the most custom, practical and concrete advice possible. To provide you with the specific information needed to solve your fashion dilemmas, we present our new weekly Style Q&As.

Get personalized answers to your most pressing fashion questions by sending them to: StyleQA@AskMen.com

Q: I’ve seen a lot of great deals for buying suits online and I’m thinking about using one to spice up my wardrobe. What should I know about ordering suits online?A: Your best tip for online suit shopping is to know your size. If you don’t know, get out your measuring tape. Wrap the tape under your underarms and around the widest part of your chest. The number you get will determine your jacket size. For example, in this slim-fitting, go-everywhere wool suit, a 42R measurement would mean your chest is 42” around and you are between 5’8" and 5'11" (or, “regular” height). Taller dudes would want a 42L for “long.” Lastly, make sure the company has a flexible return policy so that you can exchange or return purchases without a hassle.

Q: What pieces should you be wearing with the collar up up and why?A: Turning your collar up has everything to do with style and nothing to do with decorum. That means that as long as it looks good, feel free to turn up your collar. If you’re still not sure where to start, try a moto jacket or a military-style topper such as this one.

Q: What’s more flattering for somebody with a round face: to have on open collar or tie?

A: Men with round faces can actually pull off either look — the key here is to have the right shirts and ties in your closet. When it comes to shirts, choose ones with long, pointed collars such as a standard point, button-down or tab collars, and avoid spread collars because they will make your face seem wider. This wrinkle-resistant dress shirt from Van Heusen is an excellent example of a dress shirt that will help visually elongate your neck. For neckwear, favor solid colors.

Q: I just found a cool retro military jacket in my dad’s closet. How can I pull it off so that I look more polished than sloppy?

A: When you’re rocking a vintage piece, keep most of the remainder of your ensemble on the classic side. An easy way to ensure you come off as polished is by teaming your retro military jacket with a simple, crisp white button-down like this one from Calvin Klein. The jacket will act as the standout piece to your outfit, the dress shirt will add a refined, timeless touch and if you throw on a pair of dark denim, you’ll be comfortable, too.How to master pocket squares...